Class Central’s Top 100 MOOCs of All Time (2019 edition)

Every year Class Central releases a list of the Top Free Online Courses Of All Time, based on tens of thousands of user reviews. This year, thanks to a growing number of reviews, we’ve expanded the list from 50 to 100 courses.

Free online courses? you ask. That’s right. For close to ten years, well-known and well-respected universities (think Stanford and MIT) have been experimenting with providing free versions of their courses online. At first, these “courses” consisted primarily of recorded audio from lecture halls and electronic documents with syllabuses and assignments.

Then, between 2011 and 2013, new platforms such as Coursera and edX began offering more interactive university courses, still totally online and free for anyone to use. These university courses attracted so many users – more than 100 thousand in some courses – that they picked up the name MOOCs, short for massive open online courses. Each year, more MOOCs are released, contributing to an ever-growing collection of university content that anyone can use for learning. While not all courses have remained free, all the courses on this list feature content that is free to access (though you will probably have to pay a fee if you wish to earn a certificate).

Fun fact: did you know there are now more than 13,000 MOOCs, from around 1,000 universities worldwide? With numbers like that, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the choices. That’s where this list comes in. Whether you’re online learning curious, or a dedicated online learner with a dozen courses under your belt, there’s probably something in these 100 courses that you could learn. And share with your friends, co-workers, and social media followers.

Methodology and Summary Statistics

Now, for those keeping score:

This list is based on more than 60,000 user reviews. To generate the list, we sorted the courses in our database by the Bayesian average of their ratings, then removed courses with fewer reviews and courses that have been discontinued.

The Top 100 List features courses from 53 universities in 18 countries.

Still wondering about taking a MOOC? See our Help Center for answers to common questions. If you want to see all courses sorted by their ratings, visit the Top 100 collection page. Alternatively, you can browse the courses below.

Learn to Program: The FundamentalsUniversity of Toronto via Coursera
Behind every mouse click and touch-screen tap, there is a computer program that makes things happen. This course introduces the fundamental building blocks of programming and teaches you how to write fun and useful programs using the Python language.
★★★★★ (103 ratings)

CartographyEsri via Independent
Once, only cartographers made maps. Today anyone can. Still, cartographers can teach people to make better maps, just as chefs can show people how to cook better meals. With coaching from experienced cartographers and practical, hands-on exercises using ArcGIS Pro, you’ll become a smarter mapmaker, ready to go beyond the defaults and make better maps.
★★★★★ (70 ratings)

Introduction to Programming with MATLABVanderbilt University via Coursera
This course teaches computer programming to those with little to no previous experience. It uses the programming system and language called MATLAB to do so because it is easy to learn, versatile and very useful for engineers and other professionals.
★★★★★ (193 ratings)

Machine Learning for Musicians and ArtistsGoldsmiths, University of London via Kadenze
In this course, students will learn fundamental machine learning techniques that can be used to make sense of human gesture, musical audio, and other real-time data.
★★★★★ (76 ratings)

Elements of AIUniversity of Helsinki via Independent
The elements of AI is a free online course for everyone interested in learning what AI is, what is possible (and not possible) with AI, and how it affects our lives – with no complicated math or programming required.
★★★★★ (122 ratings)

Functional Programming Principles in ScalaÉcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne via Coursera
In this course you will discover the elements of the functional programming style and learn how to apply them usefully in your daily programming tasks.
★★★★★ (65 ratings)

Internet History, Technology, and SecurityUniversity of Michigan via Coursera
This course will open up the Internet and show you how it was created, who created it and how it works. Along the way we will meet many of the innovators who developed the Internet and Web technologies that we use today.
★★★★★ (36 ratings)

The Analytics EdgeMassachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
Through inspiring examples and stories, discover the power of data and use analytics to provide an edge to your career and your life.
★★★★★ (79 ratings)

Cryptography IStanford University via Coursera
Cryptography is an indispensable tool for protecting information in computer systems. In this course you will learn the inner workings of cryptographic systems and how to correctly use them in real-world applications.
★★★★★ (51 ratings)

How to Use Git and GitHubvia Udacity
Learn to use version control, an important tool for any developer. The course will focus on Git, a specific version control system, and GitHub, a collaboration platform.
★★★★☆ (50 ratings)

Python and Statistics for Financial AnalysisThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera
Due to python’s simplicity and high readability, it is gaining its importance in the financial industry. The course combines both python coding and statistical concepts and applies into analyzing financial data, such as stock data.
★★★★☆ (41 ratings)

Introduction to HTML5University of Michigan via Coursera
This course will appeal to a wide variety of people, but specifically those who would like a step-by-step description of the basics. There are no prerequisites for this course and it is assumed that students have no prior programming skills or IT experience.
★★★★☆ (42 ratings)

Business (16 courses)

Six Sigma: Define and MeasureTechnische Universität München (Technical University of Munich) via edX
An introduction to the Six Sigma methodology and DMAIC cycle for process improvement with a focus on the Define and Measure phases, including basic statistics for understanding sampling plans and calculating process capability.
★★★★★ (69 ratings)

Marketing in a Digital WorldUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign via Coursera
This course examines how digital tools, such as the Internet, smartphones, and 3D printing, are revolutionizing the world of marketing by shifting the balance of power from firms to consumers.
★★★★★ (164 ratings)

Preparing to Manage Human ResourcesUniversity of Minnesota via Coursera
Leave this course with a new-found understanding of the range of options available for managing employees, a grasp of what makes workers tick, and the readiness to develop your own HRM skills.
★★★★★ (41 ratings)

Applied Scrum for Project ManagementUniversity System of Maryland via edX
Learn the project management processes, roles, mechanics, and philosophies behind Scrum, the simplest and most pure approach to managing work at the team level.
★★★★★ (111 ratings)

Understanding the GDPRUniversity of Groningen via FutureLearn
Get to grips with the General Data Protection Regulation and take the first steps to ensuring that your organisation is compliant.
★★★★★ (31 ratings)

Introduction to Financial AccountingUniversity of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Master the technical skills needed to analyze financial statements and disclosures for use in financial analysis, and learn how accounting standards and managerial incentives affect the financial reporting process.
★★★★★ (46 ratings)

Critical Perspectives on ManagementIE Business School via Coursera
This course is designed for students of all backgrounds who have an interest in how firms are governed, the forces that have helped define modern management practice, and the outcomes of that practice not only for the firm itself, but also for the societies in which they operate.
★★★★★ (32 ratings)

Introduction to MarketingUniversity of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Taught by three of Wharton’s top faculty in the marketing department, consistently ranked as the #1 marketing department in the world, this course covers three core topics in customer loyalty: branding, customer centricity, and practical, go-to-market strategies.
★★★★☆ (56 ratings)

GamificationUniversity of Pennsylvania via Coursera
Gamification is the application of game elements and digital game design techniques to non-game problems, such as business and social impact challenges. This course will teach you the mechanisms of gamification, why it has such tremendous potential, and how to use it effectively.
★★★★★ (55 ratings)

Humanities (16)

HOPE: Human Odyssey to Political ExistentialismPrinceton University via edX
What sets us apart, and brings us together, as humans? How can we live up to our humanity? Join us as we explore not only “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness” but “death, freedom, and the pursuit of meaning.”
★★★★★ (84 ratings)

What Is a Mind?University of Cape Town via FutureLearn
Explore the most pertinent scientific and philosophical concepts for understanding our own minds with this free online course
★★★★★ (162 ratings)

JusticeHarvard University via edX
Justice, one of the most famous courses taught at Harvard College, is an introduction to moral and political philosophy, offering an opportunity to discuss contemporary dilemmas and controversies.
★★★★★ (33 ratings)

EU policy and implementation: making Europe work!Leiden University via Coursera
In this course, we learn how the European Union prepares and decides on policy, and how policy is transferred to member states and implemented by various authorities, including regional and local governments.
★★★★★ (51 ratings)

Know Thyself – The Value and Limits of Self-Knowledge: The Examined LifeUniversity of Edinburgh via Coursera
According to legend, inscribed on walls of the temple on the sacred site of Delphi in Ancient Greece were two premier injunctions: NOTHING IN EXCESS, and KNOW THYSELF. This course will be an examination of the latter injunction in an effort to discover what self-knowledge is, why it might be valuable, and what, if any, limitations it might face.
★★★★★ (28 ratings)

Model ThinkingUniversity of Michigan via Coursera
In this class, I present a starter kit of models: I start with models of tipping points. I move on to cover models explain the wisdom of crowds, models that show why some countries are rich and some are poor, and models that help unpack the strategic decisions of firm and politicians.
★★★★★ (65 ratings)

AP® MicroeconomicsMassachusetts Institute of Technology via edX
An overview of introductory microeconomics. Learn the key principles of economics and how to apply them to the real world – and the AP® exam!
★★★★★ (32 ratings)

The Ancient GreeksWesleyan University via Coursera
This is a survey of ancient Greek history from the Bronze Age to the death of Socrates in 399 BCE. Along with studying the most important events and personalities, we will consider broader issues such as political and cultural values and methods of historical interpretation.
★★★★★ (26 ratings)

Social PsychologyWesleyan University via Coursera
This course offers a brief introduction to classic and contemporary social psychology, covering topics such as decision making, persuasion, group behavior, personal attraction, and factors that promote health and well-being.
★★★★★ (60 ratings)

The Bible’s Prehistory, Purpose, and Political FutureEmory University via Coursera
With its walls razed to ground by Babylon’s armies, Jerusalem joined a long line of ancient vanquished cities—from Ur and Nineveh and Persepolis to Babylon itself. While some recovered from the destruction, others did not.
★★★★★ (33 ratings)

Shakespeare MattersUniversity of Adelaide via edX
Learn about Shakespeare’s plays and their influence through a focus on emotions such as love, hate, and jealousy.
★★★★★ (49 ratings)

Buddhism and Modern PsychologyPrinceton University via Coursera
The Dalai Lama has said that Buddhism and science are deeply compatible and has encouraged Western scholars to critically examine both the meditative practice and Buddhist ideas about the human mind. This course will examine how Buddhism is faring under this scrutiny.
★★★★★ (26 ratings)

Moralities of Everyday LifeYale University via Coursera
How can we explain kindness and cruelty? Where does our sense of right and wrong come from? Why do people so often disagree about moral issues? This course explores the psychological foundations of our moral lives.
★★★★★ (39 ratings)

Sciences (14 courses)

Mountains 101University of Alberta via Coursera
Mountains 101­­ is a broad and integrated overview of the mountain world. This 12-lesson course covers an interdisciplinary field of study focusing on the physical, biological, and human dimensions of mountain places in Alberta, Canada, and around the world.
★★★★★ (327 ratings)

Extinctions: Past and PresentUniversity of Cape Town via FutureLearn
Discover the diversity of life on earth, the impacts of five past mass extinctions and the prospect of a sixth extinction today.
★★★★★ (104 ratings)

Introduction to Dynamical Systems and ChaosSanta Fe Institute via Complexity Explorer
In this course you’ll gain an introduction to the modern study of dynamical systems, the interdisciplinary field of applied mathematics that studies systems that change over time.
★★★★★ (92 ratings)

The Science of the Solar SystemCalifornia Institute of Technology via Coursera
Learn about the science behind the current exploration of the solar system in this free class. Use principles from physics, chemistry, biology, and geology to understand the latest from Mars, comprehend the outer solar system, ponder planets outside our solar system, and search for habitability in our neighborhood and beyond.
★★★★★ (40 ratings)

Mathematical EconomicsDoon University, Dehradun via Swayam
After completing this course, you will have learnt: # How to build models by expressing words in symbols, numbers and equations # New techniques to solve complex problems # To measure the effect of change and discover techniques to improve your decision-making process
★★★★★ (33 ratings)

Fibonacci Numbers and the Golden RatioThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera
In this course, we learn the origin of the Fibonacci numbers and the golden ratio, and derive a formula to compute any Fibonacci number from powers of the golden ratio.
★★★★★ (36 ratings)

The Science of HappinessUniversity of California, Berkeley via edX
The first MOOC to teach positive psychology. Learn science-based principles and practices for a happy, meaningful life.
★★★★★ (30 ratings)

Introduction to Genetics and EvolutionDuke University via Coursera
This course provides the basic biology you need to understand all of these issues better, tries to clarify some misconceptions, and tries to prepare students for future, more advanced coursework in Biology (and especially evolutionary genetics).
★★★★★ (29 ratings)

A Life of Happiness and FulfillmentIndian School of Business via Coursera
This course draws content from a variety of fields, including psychology, neuroscience, and behavioral decision theory to offer a tested and practical recipe for leading a life of happiness and fulfillment.
★★★★★ (431 ratings)

Learning How To Learn for YouthArizona State University via Coursera
Based on the most popular open online course in the world, this course gives you easy access to the learning techniques used by experts in art, music, literature, math, science, sports, and many other disciplines.
★★★★★ (101 ratings)

Understanding Multiple Sclerosis (MS)University of Tasmania via Independent
This course aims to improve understanding and awareness of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). Members of the public will increase their knowledge of MS-related issues and those in the MS Community will be empowered to create and contribute to personalised MS management plans.
★★★★★ (142 ratings)

Medical NeuroscienceDuke University via Coursera
In this course, you will discover the organization of the neural systems in the brain and spinal cord that mediate sensation, motivate bodily action, and integrate sensorimotor signals with memory, emotion and related faculties of cognition.
★★★★★ (38 ratings)

Discover DentistryThe University of Sheffield via FutureLearn
An entertaining and illuminating course for everyone to explore the impact dentistry has on our lives.
★★★★★ (43 ratings)

Vital Signs: Understanding What the Body Is Telling UsUniversity of Pennsylvania via Coursera
The course is designed for a broad, general audience but will be particularly interesting for individuals working in healthcare, those considering a career as a healthcare professional, lay caregivers, those with an interest in personal health and fitness, or anyone who simply wants to understand how the body functions.
★★★★★ (43 ratings)

Matrix Algebra for EngineersThe Hong Kong University of Science and Technology via Coursera
This course is all about matrices, and concisely covers the linear algebra that an engineer should know. We define matrices and how to add and multiply them, and introduce some special types of matrices.
★★★★★ (42 ratings)

Introduction to Mathematical ThinkingStanford University via Coursera
A key feature of mathematical thinking is thinking outside-the-box – a valuable ability in today’s world. This course helps to develop that crucial way of thinking.
★★★★☆ (46 ratings)

Introduction to Engineering MechanicsGeorgia Institute of Technology via Coursera
This course is an introduction to learning and applying the principles required to solve engineering mechanics problems. Concepts will be applied in this course from previous courses you have taken in basic math and physics.
★★★★★ (120 ratings)

Basic Spanish 2: One Step FurtherUniversitat Politècnica de València via edX
Beginners course for learners of Spanish that focuses not only on language, but also on cultural aspects, specifically designed for English speakers.
★★★★★ (59 ratings)

English for the WorkplaceBritish Council via FutureLearn
This course for learners of English helps you with the language you need to find a job and successfully function in the workplace.
★★★★★ (109 ratings)

Previous editions of Class Central’s Top online courses rankings can be found here: 2016, 2017, and 2018.

Class Central is a search engine, discovery platform, and review site for massive open online courses (MOOCs). We aggregate courses from many providers to help you find the best courses on almost any subject, wherever they exist. Through Class Central, you can find courses; review courses you’ve taken (and read other people’s reviews); follow universities, subjects and courses to receive personalized updates; and also plan and track your learning. More than 18 million people have used Class Central to find their next course.

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